At the 6th Portfolio Conference of the Institute for Biomedical Translation (IBT) Lower Saxony at Medical Park Hannover, the “DeColi” project of the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig was awarded a grant of approximately 1 million euros. DeColi takes a preventive approach: Instead of reacting to infections that have already developed, the project aims to specifically eliminate Gram-negative pathogens from the gut reservoir before they cause disease. A total of 2.3 million euros was awarded at the conference. In addition to DeColi, the “Pathopress” project by the University Medical Center Göttingen and HAWK Göttingen received funding.

The bacterium Segatella copri is one of the most common inhabitants of the human gut. In their latest study, researchers at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) have discovered that some strains of this bacterial species possess genetic bonus material that makes them more oxygen-tolerant. The presence of the molecular regulator OxyR is crucial for this. Using extensive data analyses, the HZI team discovered that strains of Segatella copri carrying OxyR are particularly prevalent in industrialized regions of the world. The researchers suspect that the presence of OxyR provides a selective advantage for the bacterium in these environments. Disruptions to the gut microbiome, such as those caused by antibiotics, can lead to temporary increases in oxygen levels in the gut. The scientists aim to determine the health effects of intestinal colonization by different strains of Segatella copri in further studies. The study was published in the journal “Cell Host and Microbe” today.

Many applications—whether in medicine, biotechnology, or agriculture—require the ability to eliminate unwanted cells, since these can compromise health, reduce productivity, or interfere with desired biological processes. However, doing so without affecting other cells remains a significant challenge. A collaboration of the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) in Würzburg, Akribion Therapeutics in Zwingenberg, as well as the University of Utah and Utah State University in the US, has now resulted in a CRISPR-based tool that can target specific cells based on a recognized transcript, opening up numerous potential uses. The findings were published today in the journal Nature.